Have you noticed that St. John always gives his spiritual message in symbols and images. So maybe the Gospel story today [Jn 4:5-42] the “Woman at the Well” may also have something to say to us.
The story of the “Woman at the Well” is the story of everyone’s faith journey. It’s especially relevant to the RCIA people’s journey of enlightenment, progressing from initial enquirers, then to the formation of Catechumens, and finally to a Profession of Faith and Baptism into membership in the Body of Christ. Just like the sower scattering the seed. After the seeds are planted in good soil, they will sprout and grow strongly and rapidly if they were properly nourished with water, The visual message we’re trying to convey is a reminder that we have all been damaged on our journey of faith; we have all made bad decisions at one time or another, and we all need tender love, care and mercy. If we turn to the right source, and “re-root” ourselves in this true source of life, we’ll receive the proper “faith nourishment” and growth can continue.
Water from deep wells can provide temporary relief from physical thirst. However, we have an even deeper thirst, a thirst for eternal truth and eternal life. That kind of thirst can only be quenched by the author of truth and life, the living God who revealed himself to us through his Son, Jesus Christ. This “living water” is a free gift, and always involves an encounter with Christ which demands humility and courage. We need the courage to face ourselves, to ask the right questions, to listen to the Lord’s answers, and then have the humility to make the required corrections. Then we become enabled to participate fully in His mission, and share the Good News of the “living waters” that bring us eternal life.
The “gift of God” is sanctifying grace that God gives freely to us at our Baptism– it is Christ himself. Thirst for God can only be quenched by God himself. Christ alone is the spiritual temple from which the spring of living water gushes forth.
The story of the “Woman at the Well” is the story of everyone’s faith journey. It’s especially relevant to the RCIA people’s journey of enlightenment, progressing from initial enquirers, then to the formation of Catechumens, and finally to a Profession of Faith and Baptism into membership in the Body of Christ. Just like the sower scattering the seed. After the seeds are planted in good soil, they will sprout and grow strongly and rapidly if they were properly nourished with water, The visual message we’re trying to convey is a reminder that we have all been damaged on our journey of faith; we have all made bad decisions at one time or another, and we all need tender love, care and mercy. If we turn to the right source, and “re-root” ourselves in this true source of life, we’ll receive the proper “faith nourishment” and growth can continue.
Water from deep wells can provide temporary relief from physical thirst. However, we have an even deeper thirst, a thirst for eternal truth and eternal life. That kind of thirst can only be quenched by the author of truth and life, the living God who revealed himself to us through his Son, Jesus Christ. This “living water” is a free gift, and always involves an encounter with Christ which demands humility and courage. We need the courage to face ourselves, to ask the right questions, to listen to the Lord’s answers, and then have the humility to make the required corrections. Then we become enabled to participate fully in His mission, and share the Good News of the “living waters” that bring us eternal life.
The “gift of God” is sanctifying grace that God gives freely to us at our Baptism– it is Christ himself. Thirst for God can only be quenched by God himself. Christ alone is the spiritual temple from which the spring of living water gushes forth.
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